The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

First of all, let's just be clear: Even though childhood obesity is a growing problem (pun alert!) in this country, I refuse to be the guy tonight that gives out boxes of raisins. Probably I'll do the lazy, semi-cruel thing and put out an empty bowl with a ‘please take one' Post-it note posted to the rim. I really believe that disappointing kids by giving them nothing is better than disappointing them by giving them raisins.

Apparently, this has been a very big year for haunted houses. Seems like many of them have been sold out every night. Monday night, the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement was sold out within the first 20 minutes. I suppose tonight will be even worse. But if you're looking for great Halloween entertainment, here are some options:

A Thrill a Minute -- with leg-warmers and all

We’re all running a day late and a ten-spot short these days, but one thing’s certain. If you can’t do your Halloween candy shopping ’til 7 p.m. on All Hallows’ Eve, even though every other candy display has been stripped bare, you’ll still find racks of Circus Peanuts, a Halloween treat that ranks alongside sticking your hand into the Jack-o’-lantern and pulling out pumpkin guts.